French defensive midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has been an integral part of the Southampton squad since signing in June 2008, but for the second consecutive year it seems almost certain he will be leaving the club.
Moving to the South Coast club after just five senior appearances for Strasbourg, the £1.2 million, 18-year-old Schneiderlin was another on a long list of promising youngsters that have been brought in. Another example of smart recruiting from the Saints, he has gone on to be an important part of the team that achieved a record-high finishing position of seventh last Premier League campaign.
During the previous term, the Frenchman was pivotal in giving his back four extra cover, not allowing opposing playmakers any time or space. He also distributed the ball out from the back expertly, even scoring four goals in his 25 appearances from his defensive post.
Schneiderlin has been a steadfast choice in the centre of midfield throughout his seven years at the Saints, from the Championship, then League 1, then back to Championship and ultimately the Premier League, totalling 260 appearances in all competitions. Club form has resulted in national team call-ups, making his debut at the 2014 World Cup with a total of seven senior appearances for France so far.
In April, Schneiderlin suffered a knee injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the 2014-15 season and it seems quite likely that he may have played his last game for the club.
During the last offseason, it seemed certain that Schneiderlin’s name would be the next on a long list of departures from St. Mary’s, joining Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren, Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers in leaving. Due to this exodus of players, however, he was denied a transfer despite strong interest from both Arsenal and Tottenham.
This time around, it seems Manchester United are frontrunners for his signature after having a £20 million bid rejected by Southampton. It is reportedly asking for a fee closer to the £30 million mark, understandably trying to get top dollar for its French international. With the Saints willing to allow suitors to pry Schneiderlin away for the right price, it seems to be a case of ‘when’, not ‘if’, his name headlines the transfer merry-go-round.
Looking beyond where he will go and for how much, fans must ask the question: Who will replace Schneiderlin?
Let’s look inside the club first. Does it have a player ready to step up and fill the void?
In short, no.
There is currently no player in the Southampton squad who is capable of filling the void left by Morgan Schneiderlin. Victor Wanyama, who joined in 2013 from Celtic, looks the most promising in the defensive midfield position and seems up to the standard required but manager Ronald Koeman uses a dual six formation and Wanyama operated as partner to Schneiderlin.
James Ward-Prowse is clearly more effective higher up the pitch and Steven Davis does not offer the same defensive qualities. Toby Alderweireld was a passable fill-in for the backend of the season after Schneiderlin’s injury, though more useful in the centre of defence, but he has not yet been permanently signed by the club.
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In terms of young players coming through the ranks, Harrison Reed looks the most promising in the defensive midfield position but is several years off being ready to start in the Premier League. At only 20 years of age, he certainly has the potential to ultimately fill the void but Southampton needs a solution for the upcoming season.
With no one inside the club able to step into the position, Koeman will have to dip into the transfer market for the answer. The manager himself has identified Jordy Clasie as one of those on a list of potential replacements.
“He’s a good player, a young player and a Dutch international who is ready to make a step up and show his qualities at a higher level than we have in the Dutch league,” Koeman said.
The 24-year-old Dutchman currently plays for Feyenoord but has also grabbed the attention of former national team boss and current Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal. However, it seems unlikely the Red Devils will sign both Schneiderlin and Clasie.
Should Schneiderlin go, Koeman will have plenty of funds to play with and more names will be thrown around before any permanent signings are made.
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Wanyama didn’t sign last year, it was the year before.
Saints can afford to lose the odd top player and still thrive, but how does it affect the mindset of the rest of the squad and potential signings? Can’t see us getting away with losing clutches of 3 or 4 every summer??? Hopefully they will this season clear all the ‘baggage’ resulting from administration a few years ago, and be brave enough next year to be pro-active in the transfer market,laying down an early marker and demonstrating ambition.